Investigation on Tm3+-doped silicate glass for 1.8 μm emission

► The Tm3+-doped silicate glass has good thermal stability against crystallization. ► Judd-Ofelt parameters and radiative properties are calculated and discussed. ► The optimum doping concentration is ∼0.75 mol% Tm2O3 for 1.8 μm emission. ► The factors on luminescence efficiency and lifetime are investigated. ► The Tm3+-doped silicate glass is an ideal host for 2 μm fiber laser applications.